VRM stands for Vehicle Registration Mark, which is essentially your car's license plate number. In pubs, restaurants, or other venues with parking facilities, VRM systems are often used to manage parking and prevent unauthorized use. When you park in these areas, the business may ask for your car's registration number to ensure that you’re a legitimate visitor and to avoid parking penalties from third-party parking enforcement companies.
Why VRM Registration is Required:
- Avoid parking penalties: Many venues have agreements with parking enforcement companies that monitor the parking lot. By registering your VRM (car number plate), you're confirming that you're a customer, and your car will be excluded from automatic fines or penalties.
- Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR): These systems often use ANPR cameras to scan the car’s registration number as it enters and exits. If your car isn’t registered with the system, you may receive a parking fine, even if you were a legitimate customer.
If You Forget to Register Your Car:
If you forget to register your VRM when visiting a pub or restaurant, some businesses may allow you to register it online afterwards, but this depends on their individual policy and the parking management company they use.
Key Points to Consider:
- Immediate Registration: It’s best to register your car as soon as possible, ideally while you are still on-site.
- Online Registration Post-Visit: Some parking management systems do allow late registration online if you forget to do so while at the venue, but this is not guaranteed. This option may be offered by the venue or the parking company. If available, this can usually be done within a short window after your visit (usually the same day or within 24-48 hours), but it’s important to check the specific terms at the location.
- Check Parking Terms: Each venue or parking management company may have different rules. There may be signs or notices that indicate whether post-visit registration is possible.
- Contact the Venue: If you're unsure or missed the registration period, it's best to contact the venue directly. They might be able to retroactively register your vehicle or advise on how to appeal a penalty.
What Happens if You Don’t Register in Time:
- Parking Penalty Notices (PCN): If your VRM isn’t registered and the parking system detects that your car was in the lot without authorization, you may receive a Parking Charge Notice (PCN). These penalties can be expensive and are typically issued by private parking companies.
- Appeal Process: If you receive a penalty, you may have the option to appeal, especially if you were a legitimate customer but forgot to register your vehicle. Having proof of your visit, such as receipts from the pub or restaurant, may help in contesting the fine.
General Timeframe for Registration in the UK:
- On-the-day registration is the safest and most recommended approach. However, depending on the venue and parking company, some systems allow a grace period of 24 to 48 hours for you to register your car’s VRM online after your visit. Always check the specific terms or contact the venue to confirm their policy.
To avoid issues, it’s always a good idea to register your VRM immediately upon parking at the venue or inquire about the process as soon as possible.